### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shîylôwnîy**, represented by `{{H7888}}`, identifies a **Shilonite or inhabitant of Shiloh**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. While it serves as a geographical identifier, its primary use in scripture is to denote specific individuals instrumental in the prophetic narrative of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7888}}` is overwhelmingly associated with the prophet `{{H5030}}` Ahijah `{{H281}}`. He is introduced as "Ahijah the **Shilonite**" when he encounters Jeroboam `{{H3379}}` and delivers a prophecy about his future reign [[1 Kings 11:29]]. The words spoken by Ahijah are repeatedly shown to be the very word `{{H1697}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}`, with events unfolding to specifically perform his sayings ([[1 Kings 12:15]], [[2 Chronicles 10:15]]). His prophecies also include the judgment and destruction of Jeroboam's house `{{H1004}}`, which is fulfilled according to the "saying of the LORD, which he spake by his servant Ahijah the **Shilonite**" [[1 Kings 15:29]]. Beyond this prophetic role, the term is also used in a genealogical list to identify Asaiah `{{H6222}}` as the firstborn `{{H1060}}` of the **Shilonites** [[1 Chronicles 9:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding the **Shilonite**:
* `{{H281}}` **ʼĂchîyâh** (Ahijah): Meaning "brother (i.e. worshipper) of Jah," this is the name of the prophet who is almost always identified by the term **Shilonite** `{{H7888}}`. He is the central figure through whom God's messages concerning Jeroboam are delivered [[1 Kings 12:15]].
* `{{H5030}}` **nâbîyʼ** (prophet): This title, meaning "a prophet or (generally) inspired man," is directly applied to Ahijah the **Shilonite** [[1 Kings 11:29]]. It establishes his role as an authorized spokesman for God.
* `{{H1697}}` **dâbâr** (word, saying, act): The "saying" or "word" of the LORD is what Ahijah the **Shilonite** speaks `{{H1696}}`. The fulfillment of this word is the central theme of the passages where he appears, confirming his divine commission [[2 Chronicles 10:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7888}}` is tied directly to the authority and fulfillment of divine prophecy.
* **Prophetic Authority:** The identity of the "Shilonite" is linked to Ahijah, a prophet whose words are presented as the direct word of the LORD `{{H3068}}`. The prophecy about the utter destruction of Jeroboam's house is attributed to "his servant Ahijah the **Shilonite**," confirming his role as a vessel for God's unalterable decrees [[1 Kings 15:29]].
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The narratives explicitly state that the political turmoil during Jeroboam's time was a direct result of God's plan. King Rehoboam's refusal to listen to the people was because "the cause was from the LORD" `{{H5438}}` or "of God" `{{H5252}}`, so that He might perform the word spoken by Ahijah the **Shilonite** ([[1 Kings 12:15]], [[2 Chronicles 10:15]]).
* **Inspired Historical Record:** The writings of the **Shilonite** are referenced as an authoritative historical source. The "prophecy of Ahijah the **Shilonite**" `{{H5016}}` is cited as a chronicle of the acts of Solomon `{{H8010}}`, underscoring the role of prophets in recording God's work in history [[2 Chronicles 9:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7888}}` is more than a simple reference to an inhabitant of Shiloh. It primarily serves to identify the prophet Ahijah `{{H281}}`, whose pronouncements shaped the destiny of Israel's monarchy. The term **Shilonite** is intrinsically linked to the concepts of divine prophecy, the absolute sovereignty of God `{{H430}}` in the affairs of kings, and the certain fulfillment of His spoken word `{{H1697}}`. It demonstrates how a geographical identifier can come to signify a crucial agent of God's revealed will.
TRV